Roy Moore fires back at McConnell: 'The person who should step aside is Mitch McConnell'

Roy Moore, who is running for US Senate in Alabama, fired back at Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell after he called for the former judge to drop out of the race.

Numerous Republicans have called for Moore to step aside amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Senate candidate Roy Moore of Alabama rebuffed Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plea for him to drop out of the race on Monday.

In a Monday press conference, McConnell called on Moore to drop out following a report that he engaged in sexual misconduct with a 14-year-old and dated high schoolers when he was in his 30s.

“The person who should step aside is @SenateMajLdr Mitch McConnell. He has failed conservatives and must be replaced. #DrainTheSwamp” Moore wrote in a tweet shortly after the press conference.

A number of prominent Republicans, such as former presidential nominees Mitt Romney and Sen. John McCain, have also called for Moore to leave the race, while others including President Donald Trump have said they are withholding judgment until more evidence emerges indicating Moore’s guilt or vindicating him.

Early signs show that the allegations against Moore have likely damaged his campaign.

One survey taken after The Washington Post released its report about Moore’s behaviour showed that Democratic candidate Doug Jones had taken the lead in a race that Moore was once heavily favoured to win.